Boiler-tube cleaner.



Tfsl WALLBR & J. v. CARR. BOILER TUBE ULBNER.-

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 6,1909.

Patented Feb.21, 1911.

-2 sHnnTs-SHEET 1.

TIS. WALLER L J. V. GARR.

- BOILBR TUBE CLEANER. APPLIOATION FILED JAN.,1so9. 984,622, Patented Feb. 21, 1911.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT onirica.

THOMAS S. WLLER-AND JOHN V.l CARR, OF DETR0IT.VMICHIGA`N, ASSIGNORS TO RAPHAEL HERMAN, O F DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Bourin-TUBE CLEANER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Fee. ai, i ai i.

vApplication lei January 6, 1909. Serial No. 470,967.

also capable of being adjusted into differentI angular positions .relatively to the body section.

A boiler tube cleaner of this character is shown in an application for Letters Patent tiled December 16, `1907, and serially numbered 406,675.

The object of the present invention is to improve this tube cleaner so as `to prevent the pressure of the steam against' the rotatable body section from breaking the connection between the same and its operating device;l to provide a superior means for Connectingthe nozzle and its operating shaft so as to avoid breakage of this connection, and to provide reliable indicating means for determining externally of the bo'iler setting the position of the delivery nozzle and the direction in which the same delivers the steam.

. In the accompanying drawings consisting of 2 sheets: Figure 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional elevation of a stationary brick set boiler provided with our improved tube cleaner. Fig. 2 is a cross section thereof in line 2-2, Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of the tube cleaner arranged in the rear wall of the combustion chamber of a boiler setting or housing. Fig. 4 is a rear end View of the same. Fig. 5 is a cross section, on an enlarged scale, in line 5 5, Fig. 3. F ig. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal section in line 6-6, Fig. 3. f

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding paits throughout 4the several views.

A represents the rear part of a stationary boiler, a the horizontal fines ortubes thereof and B the rear brick wall ofthe housing arranged in rear of the boiler and separated 4therefrom by an intervening smoke box or combustion chamber C represents the outer stationary section of the tubular body of the "cleaner which is arranged horizontally in an opening eX- tending through the rear wall B and pro-l vided at its inner or front end with a head (l havingl a central opening. Near its outer end this body section is provided with a lateral branch c whereby the same is connected with ay steam supply.

E represents the cylindrical front section or carrier of the tubular body which is capable of both a longitudlnally reciprocating and a rotary movement in an opening 1n the inner head (l of the outer body section.

The front end of the fixed section of the tubular body is arranged some distance from the inner side Vof the combustion chamber or smoke box forming a. recess on the inner side of the wall B which preferably has a tubular casing or lining e.

F represents a hollow outer, shaft arranged axially within the vbody sections and passing lengthwise through a stuffing box f arranged in a head d1 which closes the outer end ofthe outer body section. Near its inner or front end this hollow sha-ft is connected with the rear or outer end of the front body section by means of a spider or shank G which consists of a. small collar g secured to the hollow shaft by a transverse pin g1, as

shown or otherwise, a large collar Vz, secured formed in the inclined front head j of the frontbody section, the axis of this pivotal connection between the nozzle and said body section being arranged at an angle to the axis of the latter. The front or delivery end jl of the nozzle is arranged at an angle to the axis of the pivot about which'it turns on the movable body section. By this means .the nozzle may be turned on the movable body section so that the steam is delivered at different angles to the axis of rotation of the movable body section. In the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2, the jet is turned oted at its outer. or rear end in an opening vnozzle and also adjustin objectionable inasmnc with its outlet at the greatest a le relatively to the axis of the nozzle and in'dotted lines this jet is represented as having been shifted into a position in which the outlet is parallel with the axis of rotation'of the nozzle. By thus turning the jet with the the jet so that its outlet is of different an es relatively to the axis of the nozzle, the b ast of steam issuing from the jet may be distributed successively -in circular aths of different diameters over the entire ue area and thus concentrate the effect of the steam blast on `a few lines at a time, thereby cleanin the same more effec-v tually. The means or turning the nozzle relatively to the front body section com.- prises an inner or central longitudinal shaft K arran ed lengthwise'within the outer hollow sha a driving connection between the front end of the central shaft and the rear end of the nozzle, and a crank arm or handle M secured to the outer or rear end of the central shaft. Y

Heretofore the driving connection between the central shaft and the nozzle consisted of a pair of intermeshin gears but these were as the teeth of the same would be liable to break upon operating the nozzle when the parts happened to stick or bind. To avoid such breakage an improved drivin connection is provided in this place whic comprises a transverse couplin pin Z arranged diametrically at the rear end of the nozzle and secured at its opposite ends in openin formed in opposite sides of the nozzle an `a fork having a hub Z1 which is secured to the front end of the central shaft and two prongs, jaw's or ngers Z2 projecting forwardly from opposite sides of the hub and engagin of the crosspin Zon the nozz e. Upon turning the central shaft this motion is transmitted by the fork and pinV connection to the nozzle'so that the latter rotates in unison with the shaft. During the rotation of the nozzle its cross pin changes its angular position between the jaws of the fork but always remains in driving contact therewith in the manner of a universal coupling. This driving connection is very strong .and durable and not liable to be broken inasmuch as the same is capable of lwithstanding the strains to which 1t is subjected in case the nozzle should, stick or bind in its bearing.

An adjustable connection is provided between the crank farms M and I which permits' of adjustin the nozzle relatively to the,`

front body section and after such adjustment to cause the nozzle and front body section to turn in unison. Themeans shown in Figs.,1, 3 and 4 for this purpose consists of Ia pawl, catch or pin N guided ina socket n on the crank" arm M parallel to the shafts and yieldingly pressed forwardly toward c the'hub o of the crank arm I by a vspring o1 opposite sides interposed between a shoulder'on said catch and the bottom of the guide socket n and a circular row of seats or grooves p which 'are formed on the outer side of the hub 0,

one or the other of which-is adapted to be engaged by the operative end of the catch. The arm M and hub o thus form the pointer and dial of an indicating device for determining the relative 'position of the rotatable body section andthe nozzle on the exterior of the boiler setting orhousing. The front end of the. catch N is tapered and held frictionally in engagement with one of the seats or groovesl by the spring o1. For the purpose of adjusting the nozzle relatively to the movable body section, the crank arm M is pressed laterally suiiiciently to disengage its catchy from the seat on the hub of the crank arm I with which it englages and it is then turned and engagedwit the hub or dial o. The seats p are so spaced that4 when the catch engages with the {irst seat of the series the nozzle will be so shifted that the'steam jet issuing therefrom will be .trained on the central tubes of the tube area,

as shown by dotted'lines in' Fig.V 3, while upon engaging the catch successively with the other seats of the dial the nozzle will be turned so that the angle of its outlet relatively to the movable body section will be increased step by step until the catchN reaches the last seat p, whereby the steam is delivcred against the tube area in vcircles of another seat p of sov successively increasing diametenand thereby bring the cleaning eiect of the steam .jet to bear on all of the tubes.

The finger piece m of the crank arm M preferably projects rearwardly into the path of the crank arm I whereby this handle opcrates as a stop for engaging opposite sides of the crank arm I and thus limit the same to making less than a complete turn in either direction relatively'to'the crank arm I.

The front end of the hollow shaft terminates `near the front end of the nozzle and is provided with a bearing q in which the frontend of the cent-ral shaft is journaled. At its outer end the hollow shaft is provided with a stu'tling box r which surrounds the central shaft and forms a tight joint between these shafts at this point and also a journal for the outer end and central shaft. S represents a retracting spring surrounding the :outer end of the hollow shaft and bearing at its front end against the outer head -of the fixed body section and at its rear end against. .a washers engaging with the front side of the hub or dial o of the crank arm i v The steam upon entering the fixed body section presses against the movable body section and pushes the latter forwardly together with the nozzle, central'and hollow llO front body section are thus projected toward l the flues, the same are turned together by means of the lcrank arm I. After the steam has been played'a suiiicient length of time l against one section` of the flue area, the nozzle is adjusted relatively to the front body section-byshifting the crank arm M relatively to the crank arm LI, as before kde-f` scribed, for causing `the steam to be directed by the nozzle agamst diferent sections of the flue area. Upon turnin .o' thefsteam,

the shafts, front body section and nozzle and associated parts areV automatically re- -tracted or moved rearwardly by the spring f S, so that' said nozzle and section are withinf. the casing, whereby they are protected from the effects of the heat or ire in the combustion chamber when not in use. This retracting movement of these parts is limited by means of a stop or collar t secured tothe'4 hollow shaft within the .fixed body section and engaging-withxthefinner side of thef `head d1' at the outer endof .the same.

collar .It of they spider or shank bearing section vThis is objectionable because the steam pressure against the movable body section is liable to break .the screw ljoint be# tween the movable body section and' the l spider or shank and thusl renderthe tube either inoperative or impair its eiiiciency.

Inthe present construct-ion, the shoulder h2 which limits the forward movement of the front body section is formed by means of an annular integral "enlargement or collar on the exterior of the rear end of this body section. By this means the pressure `which is exerted by the steam` against the movable body section is takenl up by the'latter bearingv directly against the front head of the xed body section,I thereby relieving the joint-between the movable body sectionand the shank from these strains and insuring the tube cleaneragainst breakage. I

l It is desirableforthe operator to knowv the position of the delivery nozzle and the direct-ion of the steam issuing therefrom, so

l. as toutilize the steam judiciously for cleaning the boiler tubes and also ay-void directing the steam against't-he'roof or top of the combustion chamber 'or smoke box which otherwise-not only causesa waste of steam but 1s also liable j' to .TO

wear away and weaken saidf `if the movable body, section at; thisrtime ,-In order to enable the operator to determine the position of the nozzle relatively to the boiler tubes and combustion chamber v from'the interior of the boiler housing or setting, an automatic indicating device is provided which lis constructed as follows U represents a bracket arranged on the outer side of the handle or arm vI and extending indicator ring in its bearing. 'The center of the indicator ringI is in line with the axes lpast the outerends of the-central and holof theshafts K, F and the axis and plane of rotation of this ring'are parallel with that of the nozzle, as'shown in Fig, 3. W represents a pointerwhich projects inwardly from one part of the indicator ring lat the same angle relatively to the axis of this ringl as the angle at which the outlet end of the steam delivery nozzle stands-relatively to its pivot on the movable body section. The indicator ring and pointer are caused to turn in unison with the nozzle by means of a universal coupling which connects the ring with the outer end of the central shaft and which preferably consists of a trans- Q verse pin a" arranged diametricall'yr across the Heretofore the forward movement of the q front body section was limited by the front indicator ring and secured at its opposite endsin'openings formed in. said ring and a g coupling fork having a hub y secured to the Vagainstthe front head d 4of the fixed body outer end of the central shaft and provided with two parallel outwardly projectingjaws, prongs or fingers y?, y1 which engage opposite sides `ofthe pin As the central shaft is turned by the handle M the rear `uni-yersal coupling between the same and the lndlcator ring causes the same lto turn in the bracket at the same time that the nozzle is turned bythe ce tral shaft through the medium'ofthe fron universal coupling. Durlng this turning movement of the nozzle and indicator ring the pointer and nozzle outlet change their angular posit-ion relatively to the axes ofthe shafts K, F and body sections. When the outlet of the nozzle is nearest to the rearmost vpartof thebearing on the inclined front head of the movable -body section and the pointer W is nearest the `-rearmost'part `of the bearing on the bracket U, as shown in full lines in Fig. 3, then 'the outlet ofthe lnozzle stands at the greatest angle relatively to the boiler tubes.

While in thisposition the'steam issuestherefrom at the greatest angle and is delivered into the'outermost tubes or lues of the boiler by rocking the movable body section so as to with 1 ilo.4

direct the steam only into the 'outermost' 'tubes and not upwardly against the roof of the combustion chamber which would occur were rotated through a complete circle, thereby avoiding waste of steam and also the destructive action which occurs when steam is delivered against the roof of the combustion chamber. After the outermost tubes have been cleaned the nozzle is adn allel with the axis of the movable body section, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 3, whereby the steam is delivered into the-inner tubes. By adjusting the nozzle in this manner the entire fiuc or tube area of the boiler may be successively covered by the jet of steam from the nozzle. When the nozzle has reached a position so nearly parallel with the' axis of the movable body section that the steam no longer strikes the roof of the com bustion chamber, then the nozzle and` the movable body section carrying the same may be rotated a complete circle for cleaning the tubes on `the central part of the tube area. It will nowv be apparent that by observing the angular posit-ion of the external pointer which at all times harmonizes with that of the outlet of the steam delivery nozzle, the operator is able to direct the steam into any particular tube or tubes of the boiler and so manipulate the cleaner as to save the roof of the combustion chamber from undue wear. .Inasmuch as the position of the pointer W can be felt it is possible to determine the position lof the nozzle andto operate this tube cleaner in the dark or poorly lighted places, where the same are often installed, as well as in the light.

We claim as our invention:

1. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body or carrier, means for supplyg ing steam thereto, a steam delivery nozzle mounted on said body and capable of being moved into different` positions relatively to said body, an adjusting member, and a universal coupling -connecting said adjusting member and said nozzle and comprising a pin arranged transversely on one of said parts and a longitudinally slotted coupler arranged on the .other part and receiving said pin.

2. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a ro' tatable body or carrier, means for supplying steam thereto, a steam delivery nozzle 'mounted on said body and capable of turn-- ing on the body at an angle to the axis of the latter, 'an adjusting shaft arranged axially in line with said body, and a universal coupling connecting said shaft and nozzle .comprising a pin arranged transversely on the nozzle and a coupler arranged on said shaft and provided with a longitudinal slot which receives said pin.

3. A boiler tubecleaner comprising a .r0.-

tatable body or carrler, means for supplylng steam thereto, a steam delivery nozzle mountedl on said body and capable of being moved into different positions relatively to justed so that its outlet is more nearly par- 1 tatable body or carrier, means or supplying said body, an adjusting member, and a universal coupling connecting said adjusting member and .said nozzle andcomprising a cross pin mounted on one'of said members and a fork mounted` on the other member `and having its jaws embracing said pin.

4. A boiler tube cleaner com rising a rosteam to said body, a steam delivery nozzle pivoted on the body at an angle to the axis of the latter and having its outlet arranged at an'an le to the axis of its pivot, an ad- .justing s aft arranged axially in line with said body, and a universal coupling connecting said shaft and @nozzle and comprising a transverse pin arranged diametrically on the nozzle and a fork arranged on said shaft and having jaws engaging with opposite sides of. saidpin.

5. A boiler tube'cleaner comprising' a fixed body section having a steam inlet, a movable body section capable of longitudinal and rotary movement relatively to the fixed body section when operating the cleaner and providedwith an integral shoulder adapted to bear against a shoulder on the fixed body section, and a steam nozzle mounted on the movable body sectionand capable of adjustment relatively thereto.

6. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a fixed body section having a steam inlet, a movable body section capable of longitudinal andl rotary movement relatively to the fixed body section when operating the cleaner and' provided with an integral shoulder adapted to bear against a shoulder on the fixed body section, anda steam delivery nozzle pivoted on said movable body section at an angle to the axis of the latter and having its outlet arranged at an angle to its pivot.

7. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a fixed body sectionhaving a steam inlet, a movable body section capable of longitudinal and rotary movement in said fixed section and having an external integral shoulder which is adapted to engage with an internal shoulder on said fixed section for limiting the forward movement- 4of said movable body section, a hollow shaft extendingr through said fixed section, a shank secured to said hollow shaft and connected with said movable body section, a steam delivery nozzle movable relatively to the movable body section, and an adjusting shaft arranged in the hollow shaft and operatively connected with said nozzle to permit of adjusting the latter. i

8. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body or carrier having afsteam supply, a steam delivery nozzle mounted on said body and capable ofbeing moved into different angular positions relatively to said body, a pointer capable of being moved into differentangular positions relatively to the body, and means for causing said nozzle and pointer to move in unison so that the nozzle @sacca and pointer are always arranged at the same angle.

9. The combination with a boiler having tubes and a wall arranged in rear of the yboiler of a tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body arranged inan opening in said wall and having a steam supply, a rotatable nozzle mounted on said body and'capable of being moved so as to stand at different angles relatively to the axis of said body, a pointer arranged outside of said wall and capable of being moved so as to stand at different angles relatively to the axis of said body, and means for causing vsaid nozzle and pointerkto move in unison so that theI nozzle and pointer are always parallel.

l0. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body having a steam supply, steam delivery nozzle pivoted on lsaid body at an angle to the axis of the latter and having an `outlet which is arranged at an angle to said pivot, a rotatable indicator having its axis parallel with that of the nozzle and having a pointer which is parallel with the `outlet of said nozzle, vand means for causing said' nozzle and indicator to rotate in unison so that the nozzle and pointer are always parallel.

11. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body havinga steam supply, a steamv delivery nozzle pivoted at an angle on said body and having an outlet which is arranged at an angle to said pivot, a rotatable indicator having its axis parallel with that of the nozzle and havinga pointer which is parallel with the outlet of said nozzle, a bracket having a bearing in which said indicator is journaled, and means for causing,

said-indicator and nozzle to turn in unison.

12. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body having a steam supply, a steam 4delivery nozzle pivoted at an angle on said `body and having an outlet which is arranged at an angle to said pivot, a rotatable indicator having its axis parallel with that of the nozzle and having a pointer which f is parallel with .the outlet of said nozzle, and

means for causing said nozzle and indicator to rotate in unison so that the nozzle and pointer are always arranged at the same angle comprising a shaft, a pin arranged transversely on the indicator, and a fork arranged on the shaft and embracing said pin.

18. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body having a steam supply, a steam delivery nozzle ivoted on saidbody at an angle to the axis of the latter and having an outlet which is arranged at an angle to the axis of the nozzle, a hollow shaft connected with said body, a central shaft arranged within the hollow shaft and operatively connected with said nozzle, an operating arm arranged on the outer end of the hollow shaft, an adjusting arm connected with the outer end of the central shaft, a bracket arranged on the operating arm, an indicator having a ring journaled on said bracket at an angle parallel with the axis of the nozzle and having a pointer arranged at an angle parallel with the outlet of the nozzle, and means for operatively connecting said indicator `and central shaft comprisin a coupling pin arranged diametrically on the indicator ring anda fork arranged on the central shaft and engaging with opposite sides of said pin.

14. A boiler tube cleaner comprising a rotatable body having a steam supply, a steam delivery nozzle pivoted onsaid body at an angle to the axis of the latter and having an outlet which is arranged at an angle to the axis of the nozzle, a hollow shaft connected with said body, a central shaft arranged within the hollow shaft and operatively connected with said nozzle, an operating arm arranged 'on the outer end of the hollow shaft, an adjusting arm connected with the outer end of the central shaft,l a bracket arranged on the operating arm, an indicator having a ring journaled on said bracket at an angle parallel with the axis of the nozzle and having a pointer arranged at an angle parallel with the outlet ofthe nozzle, means for operatively connecting and disconnecting said arms, and means for operatively connecting said indicator and central shaft comprising a coupling pin arranged diametrically on the indicator ring and a fork arwith opposite sides of said pin.

Witness our hands this 31 day of December, 1908.

lTHOMAS s. WALLER. JOHN v. CARR.

J/ It is hereby `certified that in Letters Patent No. 984,622, granted February 21, 1911, upon the application of Thomas S. Waller and -John V. Carrpof petroit, Michigan, for an improvement in loiler-Tube Cleaners, an error appears in `the printed specification requiring coriiection as follows: Page 3, line 69, the word interior lshould reati the saidl Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the lsame may eonform to the record of the case in 'the Patent Oiice. i

Signed and sealed this 14th day of March, A. D., 19141.

` E. B. MOORE,

[smh] y of Patents.' 

